Volunteer Development

What is Volunteering?

‘Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside (or in addition to) one’s immediate family. It is unpaid and undertaken freely and by choice’.

This definition refers to both formal volunteering (carried out with, or under the auspices of an organisation/group) and informal volunteering (carried out outside the organisation, often at neighbourhood level but outside, or in addition to, the immediate family).

Why is volunteering important?

As a volunteer you bring something unique to your volunteer role. The organisation, community or cause you’re involved with is enhanced and diversified by your volunteering contribution. You make a difference!

20 good reasons to volunteer

Help others

Make a difference

Contribute to a cause that you care about

Improve employability

Meet new people

Find purpose

Enjoy a meaningful conversation

Connect with your community

Be part of a team

Use your skills in a productive way

Develop new skills

Gain confidence

Feel involved

Explore new areas of interest

Expand your horizons

Get out of the house

Feel valued

Make new friends

Strengthen your CV

Feel better about yourself

Project objectives

These are the project objectives which we are working successfully towards in the East Belfast area. They enable us as an organisation to support volunteering in the area for both individuals and community groups.

To promote and raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering and promote good practice.

To build links between groups who involve volunteers and encourage cooperation.

To help groups in the East Belfast area recruit volunteers.

To create a solid ‘bank’ of volunteers to support groups in East Belfast.

To facilitate links with outside volunteering/support schemes.

To increase volunteer activity by groups under-represented in the volunteering population.

To ensure a wide range of volunteering opportunities are available.

Volunteer roles

There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the East Belfast area. Examples of roles include:

Youth club leader

Nature reserve assistant

Blogger

Befriender

Charity shop assistant

Community fundraiser

Driver

Guide leader

Heritage guide

Artist

Information stand helper

Café attendant

Event organiser

DIY worker

Afterschools club helper

Leaflet distributor

Community gardener

How we support community groups

Training

Ongoing support

Volunteer events

Library resources

Volunteer placements

Volunteer management advice

Volunteer involving Organisation Network

Updates on changes in legislation in relation to volunteers

Access NI umbrella organisation

For more information, please contact Jonny Currie, Community Development Director, on 028 9045 1512 or email jonny@ebcda.org.